Comprehensive information and links about Mexico Saltillo, Coahuila

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Saltillo, Coahuila is the capital city of Coahuila, Mexico. As of 2003, Saltillo had an estimated population of 591,000 people, rising to 637,000 if the full Metropolitan Area is considered, making it the 20th biggest metro area in the country. The metro area is composed of Saltillo, Ramos Arizpe, and Arteaga.

Geography

Saltillo is located at 25°42′N 101°00′W. . El Cerro del Pueblo overlooks the city. The city stands elevated at 1600 meters, making it cooler and windier than its nearby city, Monterrey. Saltillo lies near the city of Arteaga and near Chihuahan Desert.

History

Saltillo was founded in 1577 by Spanish colonists. Tlaxcaltecas also colonized there. It is the oldest city in northern Mexico. In 1824, Saltillo was made the capital of Coahuila and the state of Texas (under Mexican control during that time) until the war with the United States. The city is flanked by the Zapalinamé mountains, which are part of the Sierra Madre Oriental. There is a legend that says that the leader of the native Indians, whose name was Zapalinamé, can be seen in the shape of the mountains.

Economy

Saltillo's most famous exports are Saltillo tile and the locally woven multi-coloured i. There is also the automotive industry, with two major assembly plants (one General Motors and the other Chrysler), two engine facilities and a transmissions plant. Saltillo is home to the Grupo Industrial Saltillo, an important manufacturing conglomerate that makes home appliances, silverware, and autoparts. Some criticism has been said of this new urbanization and lack of conservation.

During the early 20th century, Saltillo was called the Athens of Mexico due its number of famous intellectuals. Nowadays, is considered the Detroit of Mexico because of the importance of its automotive industry, including huge Daimler Chrysler and General Motors plants.

Famous Places

Alameda Zaragoza is the largest park in the city and has an artificial lake with the shape of the Mexican Republic.

The most representative buildings are the cathedral, the Palacio de Gobierno and the Ateneo Fuente. The city has several renowned museums such as the Bird Museum and the Desert Museum (for the Chihuahan desert) among others. Several hotels, shopping centers and chain stores serve the metro area.

Education

Saltillo main universities are the Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila, the Instituto Tecnológico de Saltillo, and the Tec de Monterrrey Campus Saltillo.

Transportation

Saltillo Metropolitan Area air traffic is served by Plan de Guadalupe International Airport. It takes 15 minutes to get from downtown Saltillo to the airport. It has several flights per day to Houston, and Mexico City. There is a comprehensive bussing system in Saltillo along with many lime-color taxis.

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